History of the Falabella Miniature Horse History of the Falabella Miniature Horse Breed From the Establecimientos Falabella Historical Website Entitled - A GOOD FALABELLA This summary is a combination of direct excerpts from a wide variety of publications, letters from the Falabella family, a French Veterinary Medicine Study and Thesis on Falabellas. There are many other articles printed about Falabella horses, some true, some not-so-true. We have attempted to gather the most factual information from veterinary medical studies, interviews with the Falabella family members, letters from Falabella family members, and early owners of horses purchased directly from Julio Falabella's farm in Argentina. The statements presented here are directly from these writings, all of which are listed at the end of this summary. What is a Falabella Miniature Horse FALABELLA is a special and unique horse breed that has acquired, after many generations of selective breeding stable characteristics of build and height and is one of the smallest breeds of horse in the world. The name FALABELLAï¿½ comes from the Argentine breeders family, who developed the breed in the middle of the 19th Century (around 1845).

This breed is extremely long-lived, often reaching 40-45 years old. The horses possess all the features and attributes of its taller relatives and the young are bred with the same temperament. Credited as the breeder of originï¿½ for the Falabella breed, by 1853, Patrick Newtall had created a herd of small, perfectly built little horses of around 102cms. In 1879 he transferred his findings, herd, breeding methods and knowledge to his son-in-law, Juan Falabella. In 1905 the herd was transferred to the next generation, Emilio and in 1927 the establishment was inherited by Julio Cesar Falabella who kept careful genealogical records and is the most well known of the Falabella breeders. Beginning in the 1940s, Julio C. Falabella, created a formal breed registry, the Establecimientos Falabella. Beginning in 1991 this became known as the Asociacian de Criadores de Caballos Falabella (ACCF-Falabella Horse Breeders Association).

A genuine Falabella horse is one that has a pedigree of uninterrupted bloodlines of animal stock originally bred by the Falabella family. Any horse that does not have a bloodline solely from those originally bred by and accredited to ESTABLICIMIENTOS FALABELLA Av., quintana 494 piso 6, A1129 BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA is not a Falabella. Today the Falabella is recognized as a Breed and is often referred to as original miniature horse. The Falabellas are a unique miniature horse breed. The FALABELLA is a horse that has got every nature and attributes of its taller relatives. With generations of selective breeding the Falabella genetic characters have become fixed and enable its natural reproduction, procreating beings of reliable size, features and build. This achievement of genetic stability is what enabled its reproduction and worldwide renown. Only a long pedigree going back to imports from the Falabella Ranch on both sides can show that an animal is a genuine, pure Falabella. Some registries will parentage-qualify via a DNA test if the pedigree is somehow not available.

The DNA test can pick up non Falabella markers in cases where it is impossible to parentage-qualify for example if one parent has died. Today the numbers of pure bred animals are still few, but maintaining DNA records can ensure that these horses maintain the ideal standards that have been fixed through generations of breeding. The Falabella is a horse that possesses all the features and attributes of its taller relatives. The fixed nature of the DNA genetic characteristics of the Falabella allows for their natural reproduction. Offspring are bred with the same temperament. No horse can 'become' a Falabella if it is not pure bred and proven to be so by having either an official Argentinian breeding certificate, FMHA registration or by being DNA tested, but Falabellas can 'become' other breeds such as American Miniatures. Many American Miniatures can in fact trace their ancestry back to some of the early imported Falabellas. Characteristics of a Falabella Beyond their minute size, the FALABELLAS show conditions of docility, strength and capacity to adapt higher than any other kind of similar horses and even than many of their bigger relatives. Strength tests made on them show them to be extremely strong--similar to draft and saddle horses of greater size.

Falabella miniature horses are true horses and not ponies, meaning that even the tiniest examples of the breed retain the structure and proportions of a full-size horse. The Falabella can be any number of types, from stock horse types that look like miniature American quarter horses to the sleeker Arabian types. Unique Features: Unlike other horse breeds, the Falabella has seventeen vertebrae instead of eighteen, and at least one less pair of ribs. Interesting to Note here: Veterinarians in France made this observation in 1982, and noted this difference in all horses examined, however, they only studied horses that were direct imports from Argentina. Japanese veterinarians who also examined Falabella minihorses from Argentina, noted that two lumbar vertebra and three pairs of ribs may be missing. In Italy and in Australia, Veterinarians have established similar findings. Senor Julio C. Falabella (1912-1980), also discovered that his FALABELLA horses--no matter what their size--had a heart the same size as the heart of a normally-sized horse.

He believed that this was one of the reasons why FALABELLA horses live longer than the average horse, and they remain in a good state of health until the end. Julio Falabella is quoted as saying, "My little horses are in their prime when they are twenty and they live to become 42, still having all their teeth and not looking at all sickly and pitiful" The French veterinary study states that "The Falabella has an exceptionally long life span: 40-45 years."ï¿½ An unusual feature of the FALABELLA is the gestation period. This can range from the standard 11 months to up to two months longer than for most horses--close to 13 months. Many of the foals are tiny -- ranging in size from 16-17 inches (41-43 cm height) but they grow very quickly in their first year. The disposition of the Falabella is quite noteworthy, they are very friendly, extremely gentle and very intelligent. They make great performance horses and can be easily trained as driving horses, show horses, or trick horses. The Falabella has fine, silky hair and skin that is thin and supple.

The hooves are narrow with an oval shape. Some manes are short and straight while others are long and falling on both sides of the neck. The gait is spontaneous and very energetic. The most common colors for the horse are black or brown but may vary from pinto, bay and chestnut, and the most loved by Senor Falabella, the appaloosa. How Tall is a Falabella? The standard height for an animal of controlled production at the Argentine farm is seldom taller than eight hands (78cm/32"ï¿½) in height at the withers. For breed and nurse animals -- of certified reproductive capacity -- it varies for each category from 70 cm or less to 80 cm, all of them having the same genetic characters that enable them to be reproducers of specimens of their same kind and build, even of a lower height. JUANCITO 168 FALABELLA stallion (67 cm height) is a son of FALABELLA RONCO 32 (71 cm height) and of FALABELLA MARGOT 89 (80 cm height). Obviously, the reproductive capacity of the parents takes part in the product result.

The Argentine farm has kept a record and control of each breeding animal included in their nursing groups. The size of the Falabella horse varies but the smallest varieties always are highly prized. Small size alone, however, does not make a quality Falabella horse. Rather, it is the combination of small stature and correct conformation that sets the breeding quality Falabella apart and helps to perpetuate the health and vitality of this unique breed. The Argentine Establishment continues working on genetic investigation to achieve specimens which are smaller each time. They have actually attained adult specimens less than 50 cm (20 inches) in height. However, the principal object of the breeding plan is centered on obtaining specific characteristics, each time more uniform, with an average height of approximately 70 cm (27.5 inches) in height. How a Falabella Lives For centuries the FALABELLA has lived in a natural condition over the vast plains ("pampas"), in Argentina. The horses were forced to move great distances to find water and pasture due to the strong sun, cold southwestern winds ("El Pampero"), fierce storms and aridity of the land. This gave them incomparable resistance. Their keen instincts and ability to sense danger were sharpened by this rustic environment.

On the Falabella Farm in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the horses live naturally in meadows without the aid of artificial climate, to maintain their rustic characteristics. This permits sending them to the most diverse climates and assuring their survival. The climate in Buenos Aires is quite variable, dropping in the winter to below 0 degrees and in the summer above 87 degrees. Due to their natural rusticity and immense ability to adapt to severe weather conditions, FALABELLA horses do not require much care other than that advisable for any other horse. They practically do not need the aid of any veterinary treatment, and their feeding is very simple and they do not require any special feeding treatment. Senor Falabella maintained two ranches in Argentina -- La Francesa, 12,000 acres in Azul, and a smaller ranch -- Recreo de Roca 1,000 acres -- a short distance from Buenos Aires. In recent years since the death of Maria Luisa de Falabella in 2007 the Falabella horses have been moved to the family's 8000 hectare (19,768 acre) ranch some 1000 kms north of Buenos Aires.

There is also a 45 hectare area (11 acres) close to the capital where the horses for sale are taken and to which visitors are given access. Historical Dates of the Falabella Breed In 1845, Mr Patrick Newtall, on the Argentine meadowlands--to the south of Buenos Aires -- the tribes of Pampas Indians had, among their horses, some unusually small ones that caught his attention, and he managed to collect a few specimens from the Indians. In 1853, after ,many years of experiments and selections, has been successful in creating a herd of perfectly built horses, characterized by a nature of their own, lower than one meter height. In 1879, his son-in-law, Mr. Juan Falabella, joins in the family investigations and Newtall transmits to him all his findings and knowledge of his breeding. In 1893, Mr. Juan Falabella, through successive crossings, gradually builds the first miniature horses, of harmonious shape and heights lower than 85 cms.

In 1905, Juan Falabella transmits the rearing of this new breed --already known as FALABELLA--to his son, Emilio, who proceeds with the reproduction of inherited horses and, through a strict selection, manages to establish the build pattern known at present. In 1927, Senor Julio Cesar Falabella, takes on the Establishments, inheriting from his ancestors not only breeding horses, but also the wisdom and knowledge, through several generations, of the breed FALABELLA. He being responsible for the systematization of the breed, and begins the creation of genealogic records for the breed. In 1937 is born NAPOLEON I, a chestnut colored-piebald horse that would give one of the best sang lines to the Establishments, many of the descendants of which are now registered as part of the origins of miniature horses now living around the world. A favorite of the Falabella family, short and stocky Napoleon, who matured at only 27 inches and weighed one hundred pounds, lived to a ripe old age of 42 and upon his death, a monument was erected in his honor on the Falabella Ranch.

At the time of his death, he was claimed to be the oldest living horse in the world. In 1950, through the promotion of his miniature horses, Julio Falabella promotes interests in his breed, and many horse breeders and amateurs are prompted to seek raising them in different parts of the world. FALABELLA horses are studied from Europe, America and the Far East. In 1962, The Regina Winery in California, owned by John B and Frank Elena, imported the first 12 FALABELLA horses to the United States from the Falabella Ranch in Argentina. The horses became a great attraction at the Winery, and were known as the FALABELLA Lilliputian Miniature Horses. One of these horses was the famous appaloosa CHIANTI. This magnificent leopard appaloosa stallion became one of the most famous appaloosa stallions in the country; and his name appears in the pedigrees of many miniature horses today.

In 1968 is born JAUNCITO 168 FALABELLA, a chestnut horse that was included in the breed nursery, and was of the "sang" line which is one of the main lines within the Falabella Establishments. In 1973, together with his second wife, Maria L.B. Falabella, Julio Cesar systematizes the breed pattern, establishing the records that now regulate the reproduction of this breed. In 1977, Julio Falabella, who especially liked the loud coloured horses with many of his herd descendants today appaloosa and pinto, agrees to sell one of his favorites, an appaloosa stallion named Menelek. Sold to Lord and Lady Fisher of England in 1977, imported to England he was the foundation used to start a Falabella bloodline in the United Kingdom. The Kilverstone Zoo was established to promote the breed. Menelek was one of the most prolific sires of Falabella Miniature Horses in England, and Europe. With great regret, Menelek, met his untimely death, as the direct result of an irate mare's violent kick.

In 1980, Senor Julio Cesar Falabella dies, and his wife, Maria Luisa B. de Falabella and his only true heir, daughter, Maria Angelica Falabella begin the long process of settling the Falabella estate. Maria Luisa and her 3 sons from a previous marriage, take on the Falabella Establishments, as Argentine law sways toward the wife getting most everything in an estate. Julio's daughter, Angelica, had a farm outside Buenos Aires, and was given rights to about half of the original Falabella herd. As the only true blood heir, she is the true owner and successor of generations of breeders of this unique miniature horse. In 1990, the shared interests of a group of Falabella breeders pursuing common goals resulted in the creation of the Falabella Horse Breeders Association, Association of Equine Development -with honorary member status- and by the Argentine Undersecretary of Agriculture. Livestock and Fishing. Under the honorary Presidency of Maria Luisa Falabella, the Association has authorities of other nations and foreign horse breeding associations.

In the early 1990's, Maria Angelica Falabella came to the US, and with her partner, Washington Sea, began a Falabella ranch, Falabella AF Farm, in South Carolina. Horses purchased from Angelica Falabella and "hard-shipped" into the American registries--AMHA and AMHR...were often registered with the Falabella AF name. Any that were imported from Angelica's ranch in Argentina -- Rancho Falabella Caballos Miniatura -- carried the Falabella name with the AF in it. In the early 1990's, when Angelica came to the USA her horses were switched to using just the AF prefix. The FMHA (Falabella Miniature Horse Association--Registry for Falabella Horses) began using Angelica's rightful Falabella name in registering her horses in 2001. The "FALABELLA AF" horses are Angelica's. The Falabella prefix horses are from "her" Argentina farm, Rancho Falabella Caballos Miniatura. Training and Showing the Falabella Today Being of an exceptionally docile friendly nature, yet also spirited, these tiny horses respond to training amazingly fast and well.

They are generally considered to be above average in intelligence. They can be ridden by children up to about 8 years of age, and can be driven with small carts. Senior Falabella kept 20-30 horses at his Recreo de Roca ranch, where their deportment both inside and out side the house was exemplary--dignified and obedient. Trained horses can take all gaits on command, and they enjoy jumping three feet and higher for the sheer joy of it. There is no question that a FALABELLA can be taught to perform feats that would do justice to the best trained liberty horse or other horse of larger breeds. Import - Falabella Menelek Jumping - Photo Archive If you are the person who took this rare photo of Menelek ï¿½ please contact us to get this photo's credit. As an exotic pet, Falabellas are not easily available worldwide. A quick witted horse, Falabellas are known to perform well. It is said that an owner can teach his horse to shake hands and perform other tricks within few hours time.

This summary was compiled by Diane Wolcott and is a combination of excerpts from a variety of publications, including the following: "Minihorses Falabella"ï¿½, from the Establecimientos Falabella ACCF booklet *The Falabella Miniature Horse, translated from a Falabella Informational sheet and presented in a Veterinary Doctoral Thesis by Pascal Hardy, National Veterinary School, Alford, France, 1982 * The Falabella Breed, from the Establecimientos Falabella as presented by the ACCF at the 1993 Winter Sale of imported Falabellas from Argentina * About Falabellas, by Angelica Falabella, in coordination with Sandy Hawkins * Creation of the Falabella Horse Breeders Association, by Maria de Falabella * Horse World Has Its Compacts,ï¿½ from an interview with Julio Falabella, by the Associated Press while at Recreo De Roca, Argentina, 1966.

* Newsweek Magazine, October 15, 1962 * US News and World Report, December 31, 1962 * Life Magazine, January 4, 1963 * Life Magazine, Spanish Edition, February 4, 1963. * "CHIANTI", The Living Legend, by Major & Mrs. H.D. Blasingame, Shadow Oaks Ranch, California. * Miniature Horses, by R.L. Blakely, National Geographic, March 1985 * The Falabella Origin, by Lynn Goldman, ACCF, US/Canada, 1992 * Beauties Bred in Miniature, from an interview with Julio Falabella, and printed as a storyï¿½ in 1978.

* The Little Horses, by Shirley Marler, from the UK Falabella Archives * Bedfordshire Times article by Shirley Marler, April 27, 1973, regarding her first imported horses from Julio Falabella in Argentina * Argentine Falabella Miniature Horse -- The Limited Collection Sale -- held in Renton, Washington, October 8-9, 1988 * Letter from the Greenwoods Stud, Netherlands, after acquiring the Falabella Collection of Lord and Lady Fisher's Heritage Falabellas, by Paul Smulders, December 18, 1991. Tell your friends about falabellainternational.com because WE LOVE FALABELLAS!! Copyright © 2011 Falabella International Preservation Association. All Rights Reserved. Falabella Horse Info, Origin, History, Pictures | Horse Breeds Information & Pictures Baby Falabella Horse Video History and Development In the southern regions of South America, a number of horses, whose ancestral stock had developed from the horses of Andalusian and other Iberian bloodlines, developed substantially across the region despite geographic isolation. The Andalusians and Iberians were brought to the western hemisphere by the Spanish people.

By the middle of the 19th century, in the southern Buenos Aires province in Argentina, random numbers of these smaller, inbred animals were found in the herds belonging to the Mapuche Indians, the indigenous inhabitants of the continent. In 1868, Patrick Newtall initiated a breeding program of the Falabella using the local horses from the stocks of the Criollo. This marked the very first development of the Falabella breed. However, after the death of Newtall, Juan Falabella, his son-in-law usurped the horses and their breeding methods. It was then that Welsh Pony, Shetland Pony, and small Thoroughbreds were incorporated into the program by Juan in order to add additional bloodlines to develop miniature sizes within the herd. After considerable inbreeding, Juan succeeded in his venture. Later, in 1940, Juanâs descendant, Julio C. Falabella, created a formal breed registry, the Establecimientos Falabella (now known as the AsociaciÃ³n de Criadores de Caballos Falabella or, the Falabella Horse Breeders Association).

Julio decided to work on acquiring a consistent height of his horses initially achieving an average size that is lesser than 100Â cm (40Â in). In the latter days, a horse that abided by the modern standard â averaging to around 76Â cm (30Â in) by height â was developed by the breeders. It was first in 1962 that US imported these horses as a dozen of these stallions were sold to Regina Winery in Etiwanda, California by an Argentinian named John Aleno. Aleno bought these horses from Julio. In modern day USA, most of the miniature horses are the descendants of the horses that Julio sold to Aleno. Interesting Facts Since the horse is too small, very young children can also ride the Falabella horse, and hence, the horse is often shown in-hand at the horse shows. The falabellas can jump obstacles up to 90 cm (3 ft), though without a rider. By weight, this equine is around 955 pounds lighter than the average horse breed.

One Response to Falabella Horse Falabella Miniature Horse Association & Falabella Information THE RARE FALABELLA BREED The Falabella Breed has it's own FMHA Registration Association to certify their pure Falabella ancestry. They have been kept pure by the Falabella Farms in Argentina and by small groups of dedicated Breeders all over the World who want to preserve their precious heritage. The Falabella is extremely rare. Only small herds are known to exist in most countries and their number is estimated to be only a few thousand in the entire World. Over the past 10 years, they have been gaining popularity among breeders because of their rarity. This is creating a strong demand and limited supply due to the small number in existence. Most Falabella's reside at the Falabella Farms in Argentina and in scattered smaller groups throughout the USA, Canada, the UK and other Countries in the World. . They are highly prized and valued by those who own them. Pure Falabella's make up a tiny part of the ever growing number of AMHA and AMHR registered American Miniatures. They are sometimes hard to aquire due to their limited numbers and strong appeal.

They are favorites among Falabella Fanciers who want just a few "special" Mini's and Falabella Breeders who are always looking to aquire Herdsire prospects and brood stock. An FMHA Registration Certificate authenticates the pure Falabella ancestry and makes them a very prestigious Miniature Breed. There is much "recorded history" of the famous Falabella in many Miniature Horse books, and they are well known by all professional Breeders as one of the original true Miniatures. Falabella's are creating strong appeal to breeders who want something special and "different." A growing number of Miniature Breeders are becoming Falabella Breeders or adding Falabella's to their own breeding program. If you want a Miniature Horse, you can find them in any State, but If you want a FALABELLA Miniature, you can ONLY get them from a FALABELLA BREEDER. FOR THIS REASON, The FALABELLA is a good investment with a long term outlook to HOLD VALUE due to the current small number of available breeding stock. The supply of Falabella Miniatures is very limited, so demand and marketability will remain very good for many years into the future.

(Home Page) (Top Of Page) THE FALABELLA MINIATURE HORSE ASSOCIATION (FMHA) The FMHA is an International Registry for PURE FALABELLA Miniatures all over the World and is one of the very FIRST Miniature Horse Breed Registries. The FMHA was incorporated in 1973 when Stuart Ericson and Anthony Garrullo purchased a group of Falabella Miniature Horses directly from Julio Falabella of the Falabella farm in Argentina. They were imported from Argentina to the United States in 1971. Ancestry pedigrees from the Imported Falabella's were maintained and the Falabella's were officially registered in 1973, giving FMHA the proud title of one of the very first MINIATURE HORSE Registry Associations in the USA and the World. THE FALABELLA BLEND REGISTRY By Laurie Stevens FALABELLA BLEND - STANDARD OF PERFECTION The FIRST and most important Breed standard for any Falabella Blend Miniature Horse is to have their heritage authenticated with a registration certificate from the FALABELLA BLEND REGISTRY.

(FBR) We believe that a Miniature Horse who pocesses Falabella Ancestory deserves to be honored as a FALABELLA BLEND. In turn, this horse will be considered more valuable because this horse carries the very prestigious Falabella Blend Certificate ANY Miniature Horse that is out of an FMHA Sire or Dam may be registered in the FALABELLA BLEND REGISTRY: (FBR} Falabella Blend Miniatures may be recorded in FBR and receive the FALABELLA BLEND REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE.We require a copy of the Falabella Pedigree or proof of the FMHA #. If the ancestory is from the Falabella Farms in Årgentina, that is acceptable as well. In order for your horse to qualify as a Falabella Blend, there must be Pure Falabella somewhere in the lines of the sire or dam. When registering your Falabella Blend, Please include as much information as possible on the background of your horse. This includes colors, heights, ages, ect. This will insure an impressive certificate! The more information we have to work with, the better your certificate will look!

If you believe you may own a horse with Falabella ancestory, Please contact FBR An increasing number of Miniature Horse Farms in the U.S.A. and all over the World, are creating some lovely show type FALABELLA BLENDS within the breed, and finding it much to their liking. Foals with Falabella ancestry have the prestige Heritage of carrying the Royal Falabella blood, and all such foals are eligible for registration in the FALABELLA BLEND REGISTRY. The impressive Falabella Blend registration Certificate shows the prestigious FALABELLA Ancestry which is recorded in the FMHA stud book. The Falabella name is well known all over the World, and it gives added appeal to the foals to have a Registration Certificate to show their special Heritage. Please feel free to E-mail with any questions, Thank you (Home Page) (Top Of Page) FALABELLA BREED TYPE The FALABELLA can resemble any breed type, such as Arabian, Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred; giving breeders a choice of aquiring what they like best. The MOST important factor will always be to breed for good quality and comformation with a pleasing look.

Over the past 10 years, emphasis has gradually been put on breeding for more refinement in all breed types. This trend is gaining popularity World-wide among breeders and in the Shows. Most breeders like a variety of types and colors, while others may choose to specialize in specific types and colors. The Falabella Miniature offers the best of every thing.. The Falabella is versatile in many ways. They can do ALL that any Miniature can do.... In addition to being registered in FMHA, Falabella's can also be registered and shown in the American Miniature Horse Association and the American Miniature Horse Registry or any other Miniature Horse registries in the World; however, the truest value of the Falabella is the fact that they ARE a Falabella, which gives them even more versatility and value. (Home Page) (Top Of Page) FALABELLA SIZES Because the Falabella heritage has always been the most valued reason to aquire them and they are naturally small, it has never been deemed important to include size on their Pedigree Certificate. HOWEVER, times have changed from earlier years, and the FMHA now includes the sizes and colors on all Falabella Registration Certificates.

Although Falabella Miniatures come in a variety of sizes with no height restriction, they are specifically bred toward the Class A sizes of under 28" to 34" which are the most desirable sizes among Breeders. SHOWING THE FALABELLA Since the Falabella can be registered and shown in ALL Miniature Horse Registries, they can also be bred to AMERICAN or other Miniatures to produce foals that are FALABELLA BLENDS. They can also compete for regional and National wins like other Miniatures registered in any other Miniature Association, Registry or Society. Show wins can add Champion and National Titles but for those who can't get to the shows, FALABELLA'S don't have to be shown to maintain their high value and good marketability. The Falabella's true value is in WHAT THEY ARE. They ARE a RARE FALABELLA MINIATURE HORSE and ONLY THE registered FALABELLA has the inherited right to claim the FALABELLA name. Falabella Pony Falabella Pony Country of Origin: Argentina Overview One of today's most popular miniatures is the Falabella.

A miniature horse rather than pony type, the Falabella takes its name from the Falabella family who developed the horse at its ranch in Argentina. Although years of down breeding have limited its strength and therefore its rideability, the Falabella makes an excellent pet and can be used as a harness pony. Physical Description The Falabella is the smallest horse in the world, standing up to 7 hh. The Falabella is known as a horse-type rather than a pony-type because of its proportions and character. Although downsizing has caused a few weaknesses in the physical characteristics of the horse, namely the tendency for the hocks to be slightly crooked and the lack of well-formed leg bone, the horse is quite attractive. With a thick and luxuriant tail and mane, the Falabella shows its relation to the Shetland. The head is heavy and large compared with the body. Any color is acceptable in the breed, but there has been a concentration of Appaloosa markings in recent breeding. Origin The Falabella was developed by the family of the same name on their Recreo de Roca Ranch near Buenos Aires, Argentina. The horse-like appearance of the breed stems from breeding the smallest Shetland ponies with a very small Thoroughbred the family owned.

Since then, the breed has been deliberately crossed with the smallest animals and inbred in an attempt to create a near-perfect horse-type in miniature. One of the smallest Falabella's on record was the mare Sugar Dumpling, weighing only 30 pounds. and standing only 20 inches high. Interesting Facts At one point the Falabella family was said to have a herd of four hundred perfect specimens. But with high prices for such an exotic pet, the Falabella is not widely found throughout the world. The horse is said to be highly intelligent and loves performing. It is said that in just a few hours, an owner can teach the horse to shake hands, bow, or do other tricks. Influences HorseBreedsList :: Falabella information N/A Falabella description The Falabella is the smallest horse in the world , standing up to 7 hh. The Falabella is known as a horse-type rather than a pony-type because of its proportions and character. Although downsizing has caused a few weaknesses in the physical characteristics of the horse, namely the tendency for the hocks to be slightly crooked and the lack of well-formed leg bone, the horse is quite attractive.

With a thick and luxuriant tail and mane, the Falabella shows its relation to the Shetland. The head is heavy and large compared with the body. Any color is acceptable in the breed, but there has been a concentration of Appaloosa markings in recent breeding. Falabella history The origin of the Falabella horse is intimately linked to the origins of the horse in Latin America . The Andalusian horses that the Spaniards brought with them to accomplish the enormous task of the conquest, chosen for their rusticity and resistance, were later left to survive on their own due to unsuccessful attempts to conquer the area's human inhabitants. Wandering without destination over the vast plains ("pampas"), the surviving horses underwent by necessity a series of biological processes and structural changes in order to adapt to the new conditions, so different from those of their native land. All these factors, along with continuous inbreeding and isolation, surely caused genetic mutations in successive generations. This resulted in the kind of horse breed that the ancestors of the Falabella family are said to have seen for the first time before the mid-nineteenth century in the herds of Mapuche Indians of southern Buenos Aires province in Argentina.

After many years of crossing and selection, the Falabella family achieved a herd of harmonious and well-structured horses less than 40 inches in height, maintaining the same proportions in their features as those of the horses Falabella had first acquired. The Falabella family sought to improve the breed and refine the shape of the horse. To attain these goals, Falabella introduced specimens of European horse breeds , small Thoroughbreds, Welsh ponies, Shetlands, small horses from Eastern Europe, Criollos and their siblings. Successive generations of the Falabella family raised very small horses significantly more harmonious in form than their predecessors and reduced the height to the present standard of less than 30 inches. After 1940, Julio C. Falabella started a registry of birth and genealogical details for some of his horses. Due to his remarkable memory and some older data available to him, he was able to attain, by inference, genealogies up to approximately twenty years back. This primary Registry, not always methodical, was systematized in the mid-sixties, using classic genealogical techniques. In 1980, while honoring the work done by J.C.

Falabella for the development of the breed, Establecimientos Falabella decided to redesign the Registry. Incorporating new tools, like the computer, the chronological numerical order was changed, and ascending numbers from 1980 forward were assigned to the registration of each horse. Descending numbers, preceded by the "A" acronym were assigned to the horses born before 1980. Similarly, old annotations were researched and techniques were improved, giving the Registry the form it has at the present time. Since the beginning of the 1950's, when the breed began to spread internationally, to the present time, sovereigns, international personalities and horse breeders have shown a great interest in the Falabella. It can be said, without hesitation, that there is no place in the word where a Falabella has not trodden. From Alaska to Tierra del Fuego (the southernmost tip in the world), from the torrid regions of the Arabic peninsula to the cold fjords of Norway, or from florid Japan to arid Atacama, the Falabella has been fed, or has procreated or has developed in astonishing form.

Falabella health and genetic issues Their natural rusticity and capacity to adapt to their environment allow Falabellas to survive in severe weather conditions, sometimes far better than their taller relatives, without any special care that may be required for another type of horse. It has a dominant dwarfism gene, meaning that even when mixed with larger breeds the offspring is likely to be very small. The Falabella also has seventeen vertebrae, rather than the usual eighteen, and is missing one pair of ribs. Falabella fun facts At one point the Falabella family was said to have a herd of four hundred perfect specimens. But with high prices for such an exotic pet, the Falabella is not widely found throughout the world. The horse is said to be highly intelligent and loves performing. It is said that in just a few hours, an owner can teach the horse to shake hands, bow, or do other tricks. Falabella horses are very rare. Information for Falabella contributed by We would like to thank Susan Eckholdt for these wonderful pictures of Falabella. Falabella Miniature Horse Association - Official Site - FMHA Falabella Miniature Horse Association 33222 N. Fairfield Rd.

Round Lake, Il 60073 phone; 1-847-587-6201 FMHA'S Official Web Site (Established in 1973) An International Falabella Miniature Horse Association dedicated to promoting and preserving the rare Breed of Falabella Miniature Horses all over the World. QUESTIONS ? PLEASE E-MAIL US TODAY ! falabellafmha@aol.com The Falabella is a rare Argentine breed of Miniature Horse that has been kept pure by breeding only pure Falabellas to other pure Falabellas for countless generations. It is known as the first and original Miniature Horse breed, yet the miniature size is secondary to their pure heritage. It is a true purebred due to their unique and historic ancestry, which is one of its greatest attributes. The other is the fact that the Falabella name is known and recognized all over the world. Breed ancestry has been kept pure by the Falabella Farm and by small groups of dedicated breeders who want to preserve their precious heritage. The Falabella is an exquisitely unique horse that has always been rare due to the limited number within its pure ancestry gene pool.

Estimates indicate that only a few thousand Falabellas exist in the entire world. The most desirable feature of the Falabella and its primary value is that of its rarity and pure Falabella ancestry. Falabellas are very pretigious to own and are highy prized by those who have them. FALABELLA HISTORY Many historic facts and fables have been told of the famous Falabella in books, magazines and equine articles. It was said that the original Argentine little horses were decendants of Andalusian and Spanish Barb horses brought to Argentina by the Spaniards when they first arrived in the 15th century with the intent to conquer Argentina. They were defeated and the horses were left to roam free. Over several more centuries the harsh environment and inbreeding caused a reduction in size and produced naturally small horses. Back in the 1840s, these small equines were seen within herds near the southern Buenos Aires area by Patrick Newell and he started to build his herd with the smallest he could find. It was from this point that selective breeding was started to develop a true small horse .This was over 150 years ago.

Patrick Newell worked with the small horses and his knowledge was passed to his son-in-law, Juan Falabella, who shared his knowledge with his son Emilio, who passed it on to his son, Julio Falabella. As Julio worked with his father through his younger years, he gained all the knowledge his father had learned throughout his lifetime. Over many years they used a variety of equines including the native Argentine Criollo horse and equines with Pinto and Appaloosa markings to breed down in size, continually keeping the smallest and best quality in each generation. By the 1950s, Julio took over his fathers Falabella Farm. He had created tiny sized Falabellas in every color including Pintos and some very rare and colorful Appaloosas which were his favorites. The greatest development and perfection of the Falabella breed was done by Julio when he created his tiny horses in many colors. With his dedication and knowledge, he was able to produce perfect little horses that were some of the smallest in the world. Once the tiny sizes in all the colors were attained, a century of natural heritage and breed development was completed, Julio set out to show his Falabella Miniature Horses to the world!

In the 1960s Julio Falabella sent his Falabella Miniature Horses to the USA and other Countries. Several articles about the Falabella Miniature Horse were written in Western Horseman Magazine and National Geographic Magazine, as well as other Horse Magazines. The news spread like wildfire about this little Miniature Horse breed that was Centuries in the making from natural and selective breeding over many generations. Julio and his Falabella Miniature Horses became famous as he continued to export them to all parts of the world. Some of the richest and most famous people bought them. Among them were kings, princes, presidents and movie stars. It was not unusual to pay astronomical prices for some of Julio's smallest and best Falabellas. Through the 1970's the Falabellas were being imported in small groups. By this time, Julio had a large number of Falabellas on his huge Ranch in sizes as small as 28 inches with perfect conformation in all colors. Some of Julio's very best and most colorful stallions and mares were sent to the USA and other countries all over the world. It was during these years that the Falabella Miniature Horse became a registered breed through the Falabella Miniature Horse Association.

When Julio passed away in 1980, the Falabella Farm and his lifes work was continued in Argentina by his wife, Maria Luisa de Falabella and their son Julio and daughter, Maria Angelica Falabella. Angelica then later moved to the USA in 1995 and brought her very best Falabellas with her, including her smallest and most colorful Pintos and Appaloosas. Both Falabella Farms continued to be a primary producer and exporter of Falabella Miniature Horses all over the world until Maria Angelica Falabellas retirement in 2006. Currently, Falabellas are still at the Falabella Farm in Argentina and others are located in the United States, Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom and a number of other Countries. FAMOUS FALABELLAS The most famous Falabella to be imported to the United States was Chianti, a beautiful black Leopard Appaloosa stallion born in 1964, which was imported with Falabella mares sent to the Regina Winery in California in the 1960s. Chianti became an immediate sensation and has since been written about in many equine news articles.

Chianti and his mares produced some of the first Falabellas foals born in America and some of the very first Appaloosas within the Miniature breed. One of the best known and finest sires in the USA was Toyland Zodiac, a 31 inch top quality, black Leopard Appaloosa Falabella stallion born in 1976. Toyland Zodiac is the leading sire and grandsire of more show quality and top winning offspring than any other Falabella stallion in the USA. Some of the most beautiful and finest quality Falabellas have Toyland Zodiac in their ancestry. SPECIALIZING IN FALABELLAS Specializing in Falabellas is a popular choice for those who are looking for something unique and different. A growing number of Miniature breeders and other horse breeds are adding Falabellas to their farm as they see the many advantages in breeding these rare little horses. They are available in every color, giving a wide variety of choices. They can be registered and shown in competition in all Miniature Horse shows, and in all Miniature Horse Registries in the World. Most important, they have their own FMHA Registration certificate to authenticate their historic ancestry.

With many top farm names coming and going over the years, the Falabella name has withstood the test of time and has retained its status. Falabellas are known and shown world wide and the name creates its own market which is a unique advertising and promotional advantage available to Falabella breeders. Some Falabellas can be expensive and carry premium prices, however, most can be acquired at affordable prices. Foals are especially desirable and can cost less than adults. They are a good choice for those who want a few or are looking to acquire future breeding stock or show prospects. There are less than 1,500 Falabellas registered in the FMHA since its incorporation in 1973. Only small herds are known to exist in the USA and most other countries, and their number is estimated to be only several thousand in the entire world. There is a strong demand and limited supply due to the small number in existence. There are distinct differences between Falabellas compared to American Miniature Horses. The rarity and purebred Falabella ancestry of every Falabella is what primarily sets it apart from all other Miniature Horses.

ARGENTINA ACCF FALABELLA REGISTRY All Falabellas originally came from the Falabella farm in Argentina and they still continue to breed and export their Falabellas around the World. The Falabella Farm in Argentina has developed its own Association de Criadores de Caballos Falaballa (ACCF) Registry, in which they record the original ancestry of their Sires, Dams and offspring born on the Falabella Farm. When a Falabella is imported from Argentina, they have an ACCF registration document which authenticates their Falabella Farm heritage. FALABELLA MINIATURE HORSE ASSOCIATION The Falabella Miniature Horse Association (FMHA) was incorporated in 1973 as the first Falabella Miniature Horse Registry in the World. By this time, Falabellas were already becoming very popular and a number of breeders were importing them to the USA and other parts of the world. With continued importations of Falabellas and additional offspring being born, there was a need for a Registry to record and authenticate their pure Falabela ancestry, thus the beginning of the Falabella Miniature Horse Association.

The Argentina ancestral Pedigrees were recorded and FMHA registration certificates were issued to all pure Falabellas and their offspring. Today, FMHA continues as an International Falabella Registry for Falabellas all over the World. FMHA REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS Only pure Falabellas are accepted for Registration in FMHA. They must have an FMHA registered Sire and Dam or must have documented proof of every ancestor tracing their original ancestry to the Falabela Farm in Argentina. FMHA honors all pure Falabellas with Regisration certificates from imported Falabellas with ACCF registrations from the Argentina Falabella Farm and from other Falabella Registries in other Countries. The Falabella Registry, American Registries and other Miniature Horse Registries. An additional and important plus is that most Falabellas in the USA are also registered in the American Miniature Horse Association (AMHA) and/or the American Miniature Horse Registry (AMHR) and Falabella offspring can be triple registered in AMHA, AMHR and FMHA. This gives owners the opportunity to register, breed and show their Falabellas in the Registries of their choice and still maintain a pure Falabella breeding program.

The American Miniature Horse is extremely popular and has become one of the top choice Equine breeds. Proof of their popularity is shown as the count of AMHA and AMHR Registrations are over 200,000 since their inception. In comparison, there are less than 1,500 Falbellas registered in FMHA since its inception in 1973, attesting to their rarity. Pure Falabellas make up only a tiny part of the growing number of other Miniature Horses, however, they are a big attraction for Miniature horse breeders and Falabella Fanciers. SHOWING FALABELLAS Winners Ribbons, trophies and special awards can bring show titles, recognition and added value to your Falabellas. Falabellas can compete side by side with other Miniatures for winners ribbons and National titles, and some have taken top awards on an International basis. DISPOSITION Falabellas are sweet natured and enjoy being with children, adults and seniors. Their small size makes them easy to handle. They are easy to train to drive and fun to show.

They can also provide family enjoyment as a beloved pet or companion for anyone, from tots to teens and adults, foals are especially adorable and affectionate making for a very unique and precious equine. They are versatile in many ways and can do all the things that any Miniature Horse can do. Most can be ridden by small children. They are quite intelligent and can be trained to do so many thing. They are strong for their size and driving them is very popular, especially in shows and parades. QUALITY The quality of a Falabella is most important, having an overall appearance of a well balanced horse with a pleasing look, good legs, a good bite and good conformation, the same as required to show. Falabellas with the finest show quality are highly desirable. BREED TYPE All breed types are acceptable for the Falabella. As development of the Falabella evolved, selective breeding has created a variety of types. Some of the most popular Breed types seen in Falabellas are the Arabian, Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Pinto and Appaloosa, but the most important factor will always be their pure Falabella ancestry.

Emphasis has been toward breeding for refinement, well balanced conformation and the look of a true horse in the breed type they resemble. SIZE Birth heights can be as small as 12 inches and up to 22 inches or more, and mature heights are usually attained at 3 years of age. Since they are naturally a small equine breed, mature heights can be 25 inches to 34 inches and over but most Falabellas mature in the 30 to 34 inch height range. All sizes are accepted for registration in FMHA. In essence, size does not take away from their pure ancestry or their value. The Falabellas pure heritage has always been the first and foremost reason to acquire them. Once a pure Falbella is accepted for registration, they remain registered in FMHA for life. COLORS The Falabella comes in all solid colors and a wide variety of colorful Pinto and Appaloosa patterns. Rare Pintaloosa patterns can also occur, showing both Pinto and Appaloosa markings. Some of the most colorful are in strong demand but limited in number.

FALABELLA BREEDER INCENTIVES Because of their rarity, the primary reason to have Falabellas is to protect and preserve the breed through dedicated breeding and keeping the bloodlines pure, but secondly, specializing in the Falabella bloodline gives a great marketing advantage since there are a small number of Falabella breeders but a large number of potential buyers who have Miniature Horses. In a business sense, Falabellas can be acquired to start a small horse farm which can generate a yearly income in addition to your own job or business. It also offers farm tax benefits and can give a higher, safer and longer term return than some other investments. Foals have good value and are adorable and fun to raise. Additionally, foals will increase herd value if kept, or can generate income each year through sales. Feed costs are low and returns are high! A one time investment for each Falabella can give returns through foal sales for 20 years or more. The Falabella is truly a special breed to consider. By Laurie Stevens thank you for your interest in the Pure Falabella Horse Please contact Laurie Stevens if you would like more information on this truly unique and rare breed!

1-847-587-6201 Miniature Horse History The History of Tiny Ponies The earliest history of miniature horses was in the 1650 AD records of the Palace at Versailles where King Louis XIV (The Sun King) kept a vast Zoo, replete with unusual animals, including tiny horses. Because miniature horses were bred exclusively for size, dwarf traits became common in the breed, especially in the United States. When compared to a full-sized horse, miniaturized horses have huge heads, short necks and other conformational flaws attributable to breeding dwarfism traits. Many believe that the deliberate introduction of dwarf horses (e.g. Bond Tiny Tim) into miniature horse bloodlines makes almost all miniature horses exhibit some dwarf characteristics. Thatï¿½s why they are so small. In the 20th Century, the history changed as small ponies were brought to America where several major breeders established programs: Falabella ï¿½ This is an Argentinean breed developed by selective breeding for small size.

Midget Pony ï¿½ This breed was popularized in the 1960s by the McCoy stud, where smaller ponies were created by selective breeding, using Shetland Pony stock. Miniature Horse - The term ï¿½Miniature Horseï¿½ was created in the 1970s because some breeders of midget ponies felt that a more deceptive name would make them more salable and desirable. Coining the term "miniature horseï¿½ is said to have been a marketing ploy by breeders, and the ancestors of many Miniature Horses were from the same midget ponies of the McCoy stud. The early Miniature horse breeders in America bred extensively with genetic dwarf horses such as the popular stud Bond Tiny Tim, a 19-inch tall dwarf horse that sired hundreds of offspring. This indigenous dwarfism has led to widespread birth defects and the creation of hundreds of tiny horses with serious health problems. The Guide Horse Foundation rescues many of these horses.

Pygmy Horse ï¿½ Because of the constant infighting among the Miniature Horse breeders about what constitutes a ï¿½correctï¿½ miniature horse, some organization have used other names for the tiny ponies. The Guide Horse Foundation uses the term Pygmy Horse to appease show breeders who resented less-than-show quality horses being labeled as ï¿½Miniature Horsesï¿½ when used a Guide Horses. Today you can have a miniature horse in multiple registries. A small horse can be a registered Paint Horse, a registered Pony, and also a registered Miniature Horse.

Question: What is the country of origin of the Falabella horse?
Answer: Argentina